Monday, December 26, 2011

A new year is coming but I want to take a moment and be thankful for the current year that is about to become a memory.

What a difference a year can make, 2011 - I will remember you as being the year my life radically changed. I look forward to moving on but I will always be particularly fond of this past year. Events in 2011 challenged me way beyond the physical realm, they strengthened me as a person. I will carry what I have learned on into the next year and all the years to come as I have chosen to adopt an entirely new lifestyle... I love it!

The picture on the left was Christmas 2010, the one on the right was this year, Christmas 2011.

One year. One year can change everything.

What are you going to attack this next year? What is going to make 2012 memorable?

Happy New Year (soon)! May 2012 be a year full of laughter, health and fulfilled aspirations! Just go for it!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

More and more lately I have been able to experience things that many take for granted, yet, they are things that I have dreamed of for many years. They were things that I thought were impossible, and yet, here I am... right now, in this moment, living a dream. Sometimes it makes me so happy I could cry, and other times I still can't wrap my head around it.

I have lost 75lbs since last Christmas (65 since CrossFit)... yet the biggest change for me has been an emotional one. Each day I begin to embrace myself more, and I become that little bit more empowered to face the world head on... chin up. I have no reason to hide. I have been given an amazing gift and I have worked my frigging behind off for it.

Last night I was able to go out for a fun photo shoot with my friend Amy, and the beautiful and talented Melody (who took all the incredible pictures). I looked back at the picture she posted today and I was overwhelmed. I am not the girl I used to be, every day I keep getting better. It goes far beyond the physical change for me, mentally I am a different person too. I am stronger in every way and I am finally allowing myself to sit back and let that thought truly sink in.

It was worth every moment of pain, every tear, every ounce of sweat, every aching muscle, and every thought of "just one more." I will gladly continue to run this race; I have found a passion that improves my entire life. Because of crossfit, I will continue to get healthier and I will continue to live this dream.

Friday, December 9, 2011

It's amazing how much things can change in such a short period of time. It seems that nearly every day I am discovering something that I am now capable of that I wasn't before. As a result, I am beginning to dream bigger dreams and I am completely engrossed in the journey. I love the challenge of the seemingly "unconquerable."

Yesterday we did a 500m row at the gym, and I managed to break the previous gym record (which was short-lived because I was out-rowed in the next class, but who cares... this is awesome!). When I was told of this, I didn't celebrate right away, because I honestly believed there had to be some sort of mistake and I didn't want to celebrate to find that it wasn't a record afterall. This is the kind of thinking I need to change, I need to believe that I am capable of anything, and I need to continue to work and strive for those things.

A word that has always challenged me is the word "Athlete," this is a word that I would never have applied to myself, or even dreamed I would ever use in reference to myself. Now I am learning to give myself more credit, I have something to offer, and I will continue improving.

Athlete

I used to doubt my capacity to winand achieve something so great as my healthThe term “athlete” was my wildest dreamThe thought so impossiblefor myself

Until I realized my strength is a decisionbeginning in my heart and desiresSpanning throughout my thoughts to impact my lifeturning to passion andspreading the fire

Hard work and dedication are now my pleato myself, my motivation and driveMay I never lose sight of the road aheadfighting the battle,completely alive

I am finding my strength and using my voiceFrom this dream, you will not find me runningI choose to face challenges triumphantlyVictory on my lips,I’m becoming

My promise to myself is to keep trying hard every day, and to continually remind myself that I am capable of greatness. If I do, every day I will improve and better myself.

Have a great day everybody... start believing in yourself! You'll be amazed what you're capable of if you'll just let yourself loose!

Monday, December 5, 2011

Sorry for the long time in between posts... things have been really busy! Though, something is on my mind once again, so I couldn't help but take the opportunity to share it!

One common trend that was immediately apparent to me when I began going to Synergy was the encouragement from other members of the gym. Often their voices pushed me far beyond what I thought I was capable of, and they still do today. When everything inside of me is screaming "just stop and take a breather," their voices tell me that I can do it, and even my voice now says that I can... and I do.

I take this as a personal challenge. I want to be the mirror that reflects empowerment and encouragement to those that I encounter. With all of the negativity in this world, I believe that one voice can make a difference. Many voices helped to make a difference for me, including my own. It all starts with how we view ourselves, if we can embrace that, we can help others to do the same.

Be the voice that reflects light. Be the voice that says "Yes" for somebody who is scared to say it for themselves.